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Cargo Handling in Valletta
The entity authorised to act as Cargo Terminal Operator within the Port
of Valletta is the Valletta Gateway Terminals Ltd. The company is th
Malta Maritime Authority's contractor carrying out cargo handling
operations.
More information can be found at :www.vgt.com.mt
Passenger Handling in Valletta
 The entity authorised to operate passenger handling facilities in
Valletta is Valletta International Sea Terminals (VISET), a private
consortium mainly made up of foremost local enterprises but also
including participation from several International companies. The
company has been granted an operational license and conceded a 65-year
BOT lease for the operation and development of passenger handling
facilities in Valletta. The project is estimated to cost Lm13m.
More information can be found at : www.vallettawaterfront.com
Ship Repair Facilities
Ship repair continues to be one of the
major activities in Valletta, in view of
several ship repair concerns located therein.
The Malta Drydocks has taken over the local
ship building enterprise so that it can
now offer a wider range of services within
the industry.
Cold Storage Facilities
Power outlet facilities exist at Laboratory
Wharf for plugging in reefer containers
to the mains supply. There are no cold stores
within enclosed port areas, but a number
of cold storage facilities are situated
around the harbour in close proximity to
the harbour terminals.
The Port of Valletta is a natural deep-water
harbour, extending about 3.6 kilometres
inland. Its two-arm breakwater renders it
a safe, all-weather port throughout the
year, open on a twenty-four-hour basis.
Enjoying an average draught of 12 metres,
this multi-purpose port is furnished with
3.5 km of quays capable of handling all
types of cargo. Warehousing and open storage
facilities are available throughout the
port area. The main quays available in port
are:
Deep Water Quay
Being 488 m long, this quay handles mainly
conventional cargo and provides facilities
for the berthing of ro-ro vessels. Alongside
this quay are three transit sheds with a
global area of 8,500 m2, together with ample
storage space.
Fuel Wharf
This wharf comprises three facilities totalling
304 m in length, with a depth of 10 m. Fuel
Wharf is host to cement silos used by private
terminal operators who undertake cement
handling operations under concession by
the Malta Maritime Authority. At Fuel Wharf
intake point facilities are available for
the discharge of edible oil, enabling small
tankers to berth alongside.
Laboratory Wharf
This wharf - total length 380 m - provides
facilities for the berthing of container
and ro-ro vessels. The latest major expansion
has been the 10.400m2 car compound which
can accommodate at least 600 vehicles
Magazine Wharf
With a huge silo capacity of 86,000 tonnes,
this wharf is primarily a cereal transhipment
facility terminal operated by the Kordin
Grain Terminal Co. Ltd. Magazine Wharf is
an extension of Laboratory Wharf, with a
length of 250 m and a depth of 15 m. It
can handle Panamax sized bulkers of up to
70,000 dwt.
Pinto Wharf
Together with Gun Wharf, Pinto Wharf is
now a dedicated cruise and ferry berth,
spanning 800 m and able to accommodate any
size of cruise vessel.
Flagstone Wharf
Flagstone Wharf is being converted into
a dedicated petroleum terminal, hosting
petroleum storage facilities primarily used
for the purpose of engaging in bunkering
activities. Other bunkering outlet points
can also be found at Fuel Wharf and Magazine
Wharf.
Other Berths
Wine Verandah and Coal Wharf are used for
ro-ro and break bulk imports respectively.
The development and extension of the port's
superstructures is an ongoing exercise.
The general upgrading of mechanical handling
equipment along all the quays in port, ranks
high in the port's agenda. The security
issue has also been taken in hand with the
formation of a security corps guarding all
gates leading to all enclosed port areas,
together with the introduction of the latest
technology in the sector. |
